Why you should consider doing a cold plunge

Trying to consider jumping into an ice cold body of water while it is already cold outside anyway? I have some incredible benefits of taking the plunge that might just make you go for it.

Pain Relief

Regularly emerging yourself in a cold body of water has pain relieving effects on the body. It is especially helpful for sore muscles after a strenuous workout as the cold reduces nerve sensations, lowers the temperature of the skin and can therefore manage pain and swelling. It can even help those with rheumatoid diseases like arthritis or fibromyalgia.

Immune System Boost

People who regularly swam in cold water found that they had a better immune system, meaning they got sick less and had fewer respiratory infections, than those who didn’t swim in cold water. In a recent study they found this to be the case because the people who did the cold plunge had an increased antioxidant production.

Improved Brain Health

In a recent study, they found that people who take the cold plunge, started to produce a protein that protected the brain from diseases like dementia.

Better Mood

People who swim in the cold saw their mood improve for the better and even helped people with severe depression come off antidepressants. The cold water comes as a shock to the system and activates that fight or flight response which gives a sudden influx of dopamine and norepinephrine to the brain. This results in a natural high.

Decrease in Tension and Fatigue

The cold water essentially initiates the flight or fight response which gives you a natural boost in energy.

Improved Memory

Submerging oneself in cold water can have great positive effects on memory as it has a strong anti-inflammatory effect on the body, benefiting the brain as well.

Resources:

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/cryotherapy-cold-therapy-for-pain-management

https://www.discovermagazine.com/health/the-science-behind-cold-water-plunges